“We are breaking into the high school this weekend. Who’s in?” Lou asks the group.

Many sets of eyes widen at the content of the question. It’s wasn’t the smoothest lead in to the topic that Amelie has ever seen, but it works.

They are all lounging in Jeremiah’s living room, the whole group, including Liam and Zac. It’s a relatively cozy room, so it is almost impossible to be in it without touching another person. Jeremiah and Roman are on a soft seat that is clearly meant for one. On the worn leather couch is Bell and Cross, the former’s legs being draped over the latter’s lap. Lou and Jones and Greg (Lou’s lizard) are on squished on the other half of the couch. Liam and Zac have the most space, on the floor between the coffee table the TV. Amelie herself and Ria are on the opposing side of the coffee table, resting their backs on Roman and Jeremiah’s chair.

It’s Friday, so the aforementioned break in would be tomorrow or maybe Sunday. Amelie can’t believe she just had that thought in her mind. There’s no way she would have ever imagined this is where she is in life. Agreeing to be a criminal.

“Umm…why?” Roman questions after a long pause. “Not that I’m opposed, but just asking.”

This is where Amelie comes in. She stands up, jostling Ria who was leaning into her side. Getting out her computer, it comes alive and shows a title slide of a PowerPoint.

After Lou had first suggested the break in to her and Liam, they worked on this physical representation to more easily explain the thought process, the theory, and the possible escape routes.

Amelie likes to be prepared.

Liam does too.

Lou just liked adding little animal animations on it.

“Do you wanna connect it to la tele?” Jeremiah offers. Wordlessly, he holds up a cord that he produced seemingly out of nowhere. She struggles to find the right place to plug it into the TV, but finally she does and her computer screen is projected onto the big screen.

What are the Muzzles Doing to Us?

By Lou, Amelie, and Liam James Key

There is an image of the fox from Zootopia with a muzzle on.

“Doing to us,” Bell reads off, a confused lilt to her tone, cocking her head to the side.

“This is about me, isn’t it,” Jones correctly judges, eying the words. Lou comes to stand next to Amelie. She shakes her head, her blonde hair sliding over Greg whose sitting on her shoulder. “No. It’s about all of us. You just brought it to my cat-obsessed brain’s attention.”

Greg slaps her on the neck with his tail, making a tiny smack. She grimaces and gives him a finger pet.

“Sorry Greg. I didn’t mean to offend you. My animal-obsessed brain.”

“Does this have to do with you not feeling well?” Cross questions, directing it to Jones.

Amelie clicks the arrow key and the next slide appears after the origami animation. Lou and Liam liked that one the best. Amelie would’ve been fine with the normal fade out, but she was outvoted.

⚫️April 8th was the first day of the soulmate power dampening cuffs implementation

⚫️On that day, Lou felt sick and did for a few days

⚫️Jones felt sick three weeks later

A small cat with a tissue box was placed near the second bullet point. You know, for effect.

“But I’m starting to feel better,” Jones points out.

Lou gestures Amelie to continue. From what the three of them have discussed, this may go further.

“In my English class, someone was out for days for being sick. They just came back to classes. Their cuff is yellow,” Amelie says, transitioning onto the next point. The origami animation folds up the bullet points and revealed the next ones.

Do the Colors Matter?

⚫️Lou and Amelie’s muzzles are green (reminder: Lou felt sick first)

⚫️Roman and Zac’s are yellow

⚫️Jones is orange

⚫️Ria, Bell, Cross, and Jeremiah are red

⚫️Potentially indicating danger level (theorized by Liam)

By the title of this slide, there was a chameleon that changed colors. Lou really liked that little video animation.

“If you’re saying that we are getting sick for some unknown reason in order, then how come Roman and I didn’t get sick before Jones?” Zac questions.

Valid point. Liam brought that up though, so they are prepared for that potential hole in the theory. “We don’t know the order of the colors. Yellow and orange could easily be switched. And you, Zac, came later and less time with the cuff,” Amelie explains.

Amelie can see they have all of the attention in the room. Normally this would make her nervous, all eyes on her. There is something about this environment with her friends that makes her feel confident, assured. Like they won’t judge her and actually listen.

“Ok, but why would the school need our power level labeled if we can’t use them at school with the cuffs?” Roman asks. That’s a good question.

Before any of them can answer that, another inquiry follows. This time from Jones. “And why do they cause us to be sick if they are in fact linked?”

“All this leads to our last subject,” Lou says.

Amelie glances at both Lou and Liam. Lou nods to her, encouraging her to go to the next slide. Liam, a little less subtly, tells her in sign language to move on.

We need to find out

⚫️**Step 1: everyone who agrees will discuss the best date and time for the break in **

⚫️Step 2: wear all black and meet at designated time

⚫️Step 3: using people’s abilities, break into the principal’s office and find out the answers to all of our questions

⚫️**Step 4: get pictures of any evidence and make a smooth getaway **

On this one, Lou wanted a sticker of a raccoon with a ski mask on it. Amelie did admit that it looked cute. Might not be all that convincing but cute.

“What do we do if we do find something incriminating? Who are we supposed to go to? Do you think it’s bad?” Bell rattles off. Her hands visibly shake so much that Cross covers them to calm her down. Amelie forgot how much was kept from Bell, especially recently with her mom. Secrets must be a trigger point.

While everyone stare at her and Lou and Liam for an answer, Amelie’s attention is on Ria.

Ria is quiet, which is unlike her. Normally, her voice is normally the loudest….no not loudest. The right word is passionate. Amelie isn’t sure what to make of a quiet Ria.

“The school is being shady. And we deserve to know the truth,” Ria speaks up, a fire igniting in her eyes. One that Amelie loves to see. Ria is like a wildfire. Powerful. Outspoken. Her flames consuming everything around her, and Amelie is more than happy to burn.

“We can figure out what to do with the information if we find it. We have to deal with one part at a time,” Amelie urges. They need to keep this conversation moving. It can’t go stagnant or they risk everyone saying no.

And it would be nice if they break into the school to have a few of the super powers that her friends possess.

It’s an added plus that if they somehow get caught that they would all go to jail together.

That gives Amelie a weird sense for comfort.

“So who’s in?”

Without a second thought, all hands go up.

Perfect.

Time to implement what Lou fondly named Plan Sly Fox.

——— (Next one will divert a bit from the mystery of the cuffs because it’s another Liam story that I am really looking forward to posting when it’s done. After that, I’ll go back to the break in.)

“I wish you would stop acting like this for once. Please, you were so kind and loving. I wish you were still like that, before all this, before everything. I wish…”

“I WISH YOU DIDN‘T EXIST” The words hit him like I didn’t expect them to. Ricotcheting off his body and bouncing back to me as I realised the weight of what I just said. His body slowly started fading out, the hole getting larger like burnt paper, he clutched bellow his ribs, feeling the space of ceasing existence.

“I… I didn’t… I take it back” I whisper softly looking up to him, tiny flecks of him floating up into the atmosphere. I stare at him, ‘why, oh why did I say that. He’s fading fast, how, oh how do I take it back’. “Please I take it back!” I yell up hoping for some omnipresent being I don’t believe in to come down and make it stop. Make him come back.

“Laura” I hear him call quietly, his hand still resting on, well, nothing. “It doesn’t work like that…” I know it doesn’t, I’ve always known that, I’ve always been careful. “You always take.” His words are riveting, I’d always deny that when he said it, but how can I now, when my words are physically flaking off piece of him.

We stand in silence, waiting, for what I’m not quite sure. For a better time to say goodbye, closer to the end, or maybe we won’t say goodbye at all and I’ll be the last thing he sees before his existence is removed for this plane, unfortunate. It takes a while before all that remains is his heart and his face. He utters final words.

“I said I would give everything for you. I meant it figuratively. You took it as permission to chip away at me, and I let you. I shouldn’t have.”

His eyes fade and his mouth all that’s left is his heart. Beating. Beating. The most beautiful part of him. Maybe I should have realised that. Finally that fades too. I no longer see him when I look up, all I see is stardust.

"Please don't go. I need you." I freeze. The look on Jayden's face says all I need to know. I messed up. "You need me?" Jayden tilts his head and raises an eyebrow. "I shouldn't have said that." I lower my head. "Did you mean it?" "Yes." He'd never believe me if I said no, and he'd keep asking until I gave him an answer. Jayden smiles. This is a new smile, one I haven't seen before. The edges of his lips curve upward instead of down. His eyes sparkle as if the stars have evacuated the night sky and found a home in his eyes. "Why are you smiling?" I can feel my ears turn red. They're burning. "Because I need you too, Ginny." It's my turn to smile now. "You do?" "I do." Jayden laughs and it's the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. I stare at him for bit and he stares back at me. "Hey, what are you doing Friday night?" Jayden's voice is filled with excitement. "This Friday?" I clear my throat. "That depends. There's a lot of things I could be doing." "Well, if you find yourself free, would you like to go out with me?" "I would love to." My smile is so big now. I feel like I'm about to explode. "Great, I'll pick you up at seven." Jayden grins wider so his teeth show. _ I love him. _

Jason was always a big talker. One time, he talked at a work meeting for so long that his boss fell asleep. That being said, he was always able to stay uncontroversial with what he was saying, making sure that everybody in the room was happy, albeit bored. On this special occasion, Jason was the best man at his best friend Adam's wedding. At the reception table, Jason sat next to Adam and was having the time of his life chatting with him. “And then he picked him up and said ‘Now I am the fish, captain!’,” Jason declared.  Adam laughed “Man, Jason, I can’t believe that I got married before you did. You have to get on that!” The rest of the table cheered. Without missing a beat, Jason said “Honestly, I’m surprised you ended up marrying Jen in the first place.” The table faltered for a moment, but nobody left from their conversation. “Uh, Jason, what are you talking about, man?” “Oh, I was just saying that you always preferred her sister. I kinda had a thing for Jen, you know?” At this point the whole table is silent. Jen, the bride, stood up at the opposite end of the table and cleared her throat. She glares daggers at Jason, then looks back over at Adam, smiling. “Sweetheart,” she coated her words with toxin, “Can we talk for a second?” Adam gets up immediately, walking away from the table with Jen. Mary, Jen’s sister, blushes and starts gulping down her champagne glass. “Hey, waiter! Waiter, could I get another glass please? Thank you.” While the rest of the table eats in silence, Jason is just flummoxed. “What did I say?” he asks himself. “I was just joking.” Jason starts to fidget with his silverware, thinking of what to say in this moment. This may have been the longest he has ever thought about anything he has said, especially at an important social gathering. He ponders all of the different possibilities, using his social acumen to sharpen his conversational blade so that he may cut his way out of this situation. Jason, still not finished gathering his thoughts, stands up without realizing it. “I mean, Mary, you’re also really hot. I’m just saying.” The table gasps. The waiter comes back with a wine bottle and starts to pour Mary a glass before she pries the bottle out of his hands. “I need this more than you. Thanks, Adam is paying for it.” She starts to drink directly from the bottle. A well wishing bridesmaid, Kathy, stands up, trying to remedy the situation. “Nice one, Jason. You really got us.” Some of the table catches on, fake laughing to try and play it off. Almost the entirety of the table joins in, with smatterings of genuine laughter throughout the assembly.  Jason slams his hands on the table as if on autopilot. He blurts out, thoughtlessly, “I wasn’t joking. That’s real and the most genuine thing I have ever said. Period.” Kathy, as if saying “Good luck Chuck.” sits down abruptly, pushing her plate away from her. Adam comes back to the table and pats Jason on the shoulder. “Hey, Jason, could I talk to you for a second?” Jason stands his ground, glowering at the groom. “No, Adam, we can’t talk for a second. Everyone seems to think that I was joking, but really, I was serious. You know how much I talk. You think I have time to waste my breath like this? I’m not leaving until everyone admits that I wasn’t joking.” “You were joking, Jason. Let’s put this all behind us, okay?” Jason picks up his glass and spikes it into the ground. “I was _not _joking!” Adam, seething with a quiet fury, tightens his grip. “Let it go, Jason.” “No, Adam.” In one swift and smooth motion, Adam picks Jason up like he’s Scooby from Scooby-Doo and throws him at least ten feet directly into the wedding cake.

What did you hear? I fear, the lears, and tears.

Not sure if you heard. The curt, hurt, not inert.

The Bridge

1970s:

Thomas had never raised his voice at Lila. They were high school sweethearts, bound together by the gentle rhythms of their small town. But that evening, as the late summer sun dipped behind the hills, something inside him snapped.

"I can't believe you're so blind!" he yelled, the words harsh, alien on his tongue. Lila flinched, her eyes wide with shock. They had been arguing about something trivial—maybe the way she had forgotten to pick up his dry cleaning. It didn’t matter. The weight of his words hung between them like a curse, a fracture in the seamless connection they had always shared.

Thomas felt a cold rush of regret, but the damage was done. Lila turned away, her silence more painful than any reply.

1980s:

They moved to the city, seeking new opportunities, but the past lingered like a shadow. Thomas had apologized countless times, showering Lila with flowers, whispered promises, and soft kisses. Yet, every time they argued, he saw the ghost of that day in her eyes.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day at work, Thomas came home to find Lila waiting for him with dinner. But something was off—the way she avoided his gaze, the tremble in her hands. "Lila, what’s wrong?"

She hesitated, then finally whispered, "Do you remember what you said to me? That night, years ago?"

Thomas froze. He had hoped she had forgotten, that time had healed the wound. "I was angry," he said, his voice thick with guilt. "I didn’t mean it."

"I know," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "But words, they have a way of sticking. Of lingering."

1990s:

Life became a routine. They had children now, who filled the house with laughter and chaos. But in the quiet moments, when the kids were asleep, Thomas would catch Lila staring out the window, lost in thought. He knew she was still haunted by that moment—by the way he had lost control.

One evening, after the kids had gone to bed, Thomas took her hand. "Lila," he said quietly, "I’ve spent years trying to make up for what I said. I don’t know if I can ever fix it, but I want you to know I love you. I always have."

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "It’s not about fixing it, Thomas. It’s about understanding that we’re human. That we hurt the ones we love, sometimes without meaning to. But I never doubted your love, not even for a second."

2000s:

Their children were grown, and the house that once seemed so full now felt too large, too empty. Thomas and Lila had grown old together, their love weathered but strong. They often sat on the porch in silence, watching the world go by.

One crisp autumn day, as they watched the leaves fall, Lila reached over and took Thomas’s hand. "Do you remember that fight we had, all those years ago?"

Thomas nodded, his heart heavy with the memory. "I’ll never forget it."

"Neither will I," Lila said softly. "But I’ve realized something over the years. It wasn’t the words that hurt me. It was the fear that you didn’t love me enough to be kind."

Thomas squeezed her hand, his voice trembling as he replied, "Lila, I’ve always loved you. More than anything."

"I know," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. "And that’s what matters."

2010s:

They moved into a smaller home, a cozy cottage near the river. Their days were filled with the simple pleasures of retirement—gardening, reading, and visits from their grandchildren. Time had softened the edges of their past, turning sharp memories into gentle reflections.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Lila spoke. "Thomas, I want you to know—I’ve forgiven you, a long time ago. And I’ve forgiven myself for holding on to it for so long."

Thomas felt tears prick at his eyes. "I don’t deserve you," he whispered.

She smiled, her face lined with age but still radiant with love. "We deserve each other. That’s why we’re still here, together."

2020s:

Lila passed away peacefully in her sleep one night, leaving Thomas with a heart full of memories. He missed her every day, her absence a constant ache. But when he thought back to that moment, so many decades ago, he no longer felt the sting of regret. Instead, he remembered the lifetime they had shared, the love that had endured.

In the end, it wasn’t the words that defined their relationship, but the way they had learned to forgive, to hold on to each other through the years.

And as Thomas sat by her grave, whispering his love into the wind, he knew that Lila had always understood that too.

“Just get over it”

Just get over it?

Man, wish I’d thought of that first. Wish I thought of it before the drugs and the hearse Wish I thought of it before writing this verse Wish I thought of it before I checked if it’d work

Dang So it’s really that easy? Just wake up one day and choose to be happy? I’ve tried. Really, I’ve tried and I’ve tried Nothing really works No matter how long I seem fine I lock it up and put on a smile It’s cliche? No kidding It’s my whole damn life

Damn Forget me For a minute or three If I try to help others Maybe I’ll be free? But pain traced with paint Still looks like pain The more that I paint it The more I feel drained

Somebody help me I’m drowning again And this time I’m scared That it might be the end

“If I ever go bad, will you kill me?”

“What?” Taylor flipped around to look at me, her worry filled eyes asking so many questions.

“It’s just that… I can feel the anger and darkness inside of me. And I can feel that it’s growing, getting stronger.”

Her tension eases and she give me an empathetic look. “Everyone gets frustrated from time to time.”

I frown at her and sit up from my laying position to see her better. “It’s not just frustration. It’s a numbing hatred that sweeps through me. I lose my ability to empathize and feel bad about things. And I get a STRONG urge to hurt the people.”

“Wait… what? I thought you got control of your anger years ago when you moved to work with us?” Taylor’s worry seems to be returning and I don’t blame her.

“I did. I haven’t been seriously mad since then. But it’s coming back with a vengeance. I’ve become worse than I believed I could be.” I admit, looking at the ground.

I glanced up at her in time to watch her take a scared step back. “No, we were told that if you could fight the darkness inside you and win, then we could fight the darkness in the world and win.”

“I’m sorry.” A tear slipped down my face. “I really thought that I could control it. But it’s so strong, and I get so frustrated.”

Her lip started quivering. “You can’t… you can’t go bad. We need you to win this war. You are our hope.”

I shake my head in shame and regret. “I can’t be anymore. I’ve managed to not act on my anger but I don’t know how long I can keep it up .”

“No.” She tells me with a glare.

“No?” I question, raising an eyebrow.

“No! If you can still fight against it, then there’s still a chance. You’re the strongest of us all.” She declares, determination filling her features.

“You don’t understand! I genuinely considered kicking one of the kids at the shelter in the mouth because they were crying for no reason and they woke up another baby. I actually considered it! That’s awful!” I’m getting desperate. I just want her to understand that I’m not stable anymore.

“We’ll keep you away from kids and anything else that bothers you until you can control it!” She tells me with a confidence that I can’t share.

“It’s too late. Everything has started bugging me. If anyone is irrational in the slightest bit I get ticked. Even having to explain this all to you is starting to irritate me.”

“Just calm down. We’ll get through this, just like we always do.” Taylor gives me a smile that I know she means to be kind, but it just irritates me further.

“This is not a we problem! This is a me problem! Me destroying everything the rebellion has worked towards! This is too big of a problem to ignore!” I yell at her, standing up.

She puts her hands up. “Try to calm down. I know that you have the strength.”

My eyes flash and I imagine myself punching her in the face hard enough to break her nose. Before I can do that, I walk away.

“Wait! Where are you going?” She asks as I open the door of our bunk.

I send her a glare that could boil water, imagining roundhouse kicking her in the face and storming off. I skip the kick and continue walking.

I will not hurt my friends. Just like I would not hurt those kids. I refuse to be a slave to my anger. I promised myself to never be a slave to anyone or anything again.

(Character building, setting everything in place for the first big play)

School started off boring as usual, until lunch time. Xavier and Emily were already sitting at their new outside table. When Braylee and Mickey came out the doors.

“You have to be joking?” Xavier shouted out to them with a smile.

“What makes you think it’s that?” Emily questions as Xavier seems to be reading her expressions.

Telling them about the older guy, probably not a good idea. It sounded weird enough telling Mickey. And she’d been there for half of the time.

“I don’t know…. It’s just the hearing… the communication between each other… the way we all kinda fit together after…” Baylee tried hard not to give up the fact she knew for sure.

“Sounds like a very impossible thing” Xavier says, drinking his pop.

“This whole situation is impossible…. We all collapsed during gym class and now we are werewolves….” Emily seemed a lot more emotional about it then everyone else. “What if it’s true…. We are just stuck like this then?”

“I guess…. I read that the first full moon will cause us all the shift…” Baylee added in, definitely not helping the anxiety that seems to be building in Emily.

“Into a wolf?” Xavier questioned while still munching. “Like Teen wolf , scary half human or like Jacob wolf?” His daze became a bit dreaming and the girls laughed.

“Seems so” Mickey answered. “Unsure about which”

“So sleep over at my house Friday night?” Baylee questioned as she watched Emily’s gaze drop to the floor.

“I can’t make it…. My dad will be back in town.” She told them all playing with the jello pudding on her tray.

“Your step dad?” Xavier added in, as if they’d had a conversation about it already.

“Yeah” She sighed.

“If I’m right… you could be putting his life in danger?” Baylee tried not to sound to bossy but if not who was going to take the initiative.

“He definitely won’t let me go anywhere” She mumbled a bit.

“Is he the one….” Mickey interrupted, genuinely curious.

Emily didn’t say anything else, just ate her food. While Mickey gave Baylee a saddened glance. Mickey moved toward Baylee as if she was gonna whisper something to her and then she realized.

“I think you should not ask and just come over. We can all protect you…” Mickey said looking at Emily but she didn’t turn.

“Have you ever told anyone?” Baylee questioned but the terror filled look on Emily’s face told the entire story.

“We’ll I’m down, your brothers are hilarious.” Xavier laughed, trying to get the conversation away from Emily.

“Anyone seen Bruno?” Braylee asked, looking at the usual table inside but he wasn’t there.

“Bruno! Where are you?” Xavier’s voice echoed throughout their minds and he just gave them a smile.

“Obnoxious, just like her brothers” Mickey rolled her eyes and watched Emily stifle a smile.

“Didn’t stop you from getting it on with one” Xavier stuck his tongue out and Mickey quickly tossed her unopened bbq chip bag at his face.

“Maybe there is a distance barrier for the link?” Emily said looking at Braylee, interrupting Xavier and Mickey’s cat fight.

“True… I hadn’t even thought about that” Braylee responded honestly taking a bite out of her sub. “Maybe his family went away or something?”

“I don’t think he’s got any siblings. But I don’t know all that much about him” Cavier added in.

“We could test it later” Mickey added in, grabbing her bag of chips back.

“With one car?” Braylee giggled a bit.

“Someone stay here at the school and the rest of us can go across town. Actually that new burger place in Vantrose[Van - troose] sounds like a good idea.” Xavier plotted remembering the small excerpt on instagram about its grand opening.

“Can’t !” Braylee groaned. “Need to help my family at our store”

“Fuck your right.” Mickey added in.

“Well everyone here heard my voice last night. right?” Braylee tried to figure it out.

They all chimed in their own way in agreement. As they started to eat. Yet as Braylee watched Emily she seemed a bit overwhelmed by the mention of the sleepover.

“So what do you think of Caden?” Mickey gave Emily a sly smile as she munched on her chips.

“Can you not match make my other brother” Braylee glared at her for a second, before biting into the pizza slice.

“Excuse me, miss bossy.” Mickey giggled. “I’m just asking about what I seen”

“Just tell her to mind her business” Braylee said not even looking at Emily.

“Mind your business!” Emily choaked out, causing the rest of them to laugh.

Stepping back into the cafeteria as the bell rung Bruno’s entire table was still there, minus him. Xavier was super brave and walked right up to the guy who had been set in his place by Bruno. A girl on the other side of the table pointed at Xavier and the boy turned.

“What do you want homo?” He sneered, obliviously still mad about being put in his place, yet Xavier didn’t expect the hostility.

“You guys seen Bruno?” Xavier asked without skipping a beat, ignoring his comment.

“Got a thing for muscular football players now?” One of the girls started with a catlike smile.

“No that’s not” Xavier started to fumble his words.

“Come on homo spit it out” One of the others started to laugh.

“That’s enough. We have a group project in biology, and he’s not getting a free pass to skate by without doing some of the work” Baylee was now standing behind Xavier a pissed off expression clear on her face.

“His girlfriend and his family went up to their lake house for his birthday.” One of the girls said nonchalantly. “Won’t be back to school till next week”

“Great” Braylee pulled a Mickey hair flip and dragged Xavier away by his back pack strap.

“Are you mental?” She hissed at Xavier once they had cleared the hallway.

“I’m a badass werewolf, why would I be scared of those bozzo’s?” Xavier shrugged his shoulders.

“You don’t have to be scared of them. But picking a fight could also be bad. Use your head.” She flicked him square in his forehead as Emily and Mickey burst out laughing.

“That was a good cover story though” Mickey laughed as they all headed towards their next class.

**

The rest of school went by quickly, leaving the girls alone at the store for the night. Since Leah and Logan had a dinner date.

“Must have been nice to get out of working” Braylee groaned behind the manager desk.

“So I’ll run the register?” Mickey said coming up front.

The sliding doors slid open and Mickey waved obnoxiously. That is until Braylee’s mom entered after and waved to her. Of course Corbin and Caden were already horsing around behind her.

“Figured I’d bring you two some help” Her mom smiled as she tossed her phone onto the counter. “It’s been pretty dead last few nights”

“I’m gonna go change” Corbin said loud enough to tip Mickey off.

Who unbeknownst to mom slipped away like she was going to be stocking shelves. Braylee sighed and looked back to her mom and other brother.

“So we should do a pool thing at home on Saturday?” Her mom started but it made Baylee question it when she seen her looking at Caden.

“Invite everyone” Caden said and Braylee sighed.

“Was gonna ask about a sleepover on Friday night” Braylee didn’t look away from her mothers face.

“That will work. Everyone will already be here” Her mom gave her a smile. “We’ll the boys will help you. Have a good night”

With that she slipped away. Leaving Braylee to deal with the twins and her bestie. Who was probably doing the same crap Leah and her boyfriend pulled on the daily. Makeout paradise.

“You better both come out!” Baylee groaned angrily as she walked towards the back storage room.

“Ughh, we are coming” Mickey shouted back, moving out the doorway in a flash.

“Y’all nasty” Baylee said watching her Bestie fixing her black yoga pants. “Please tell me y’all weren’t trying to do that. Here?”

“No I just had to pee” Corbin walked out silently behind her, not even looking in his sister’s direction.

“So what is your plan for Friday?” Mickey said leaning over the manager counter.

“Just wait till we are home. Don’t want anyone to know about the “who”.” Braylee watched as a small family started to push a cart into the store.

“Once again totally slipped my mind. You think he’ll have silver chains to wrap us with?” Mickey was already biting her nails and looking down the isle to Corbin.

“God he’s already got you dreamily watching him” Baylee laughed at her Bestie pulling her out of fantasy land.

“Shush” Mickey pushed her playfully as the front door opened again to reveal the wolf guy from the other night.

Except instead of the unkempt mountain man. His face was shaved down and a ponytail was pulled back at the top of his head. Definitely better then mountain man.

Caden quickly hoped up from the counter edge and gave Jayden a friendly hand shake / hug thing. Unbelievable, of course her brothers had made friends with the strange wolf guy.

“Corbin! Jayden’s here. Did you grab that generator that dad ordered for him.” Caden was cheesing it as he looked back at Braylee’s scowling face. “Don’t forget the water stuff too”

“Guess someone made some friends” Mickey whispered but Jayden smiled at them a bit as he walked over.

“How’s the teen wolves?” Jayden asked leaning against the counter.

“I wouldn’t bark up that tree” Caden said with a giggle as he slipped past them.

“Wait. What do they know?” Braylee almost immediately gripped up Jayden by his black t-shirt.

“It’s a figure of speech. Calm down girly. Paranoid much” Jayden laughed. “I guess I never really had to deal with being secretive.”

“We’ll we have too. Also are you sure?” Braylee questioned, hoping deep down he was gonna laugh and say he’d been messing around the entire time.

“Definitely sure. You scared?” Jayden seemed genuinely concerned. “It’s not that bad, first ones pretty painful but after it comes pretty easy.”

“Maybe a little” Braylee answered honestly, Mickey nodded in agreement still eyeing the man up like her was a criminal.

“Guess you don’t trust me much” Jayden was looking at Mickey. “I literally mean you all no harm. I couldn’t put up a fight if I wanted too” A sigh left his mouth and Braylee caught a hint of sadness.

“Jury is still out on that one” Mickey said watching the boys pulling out two pallets.

One of them full of bottled water and the other had two mid sized generators on it. Corbin looked at Mickey and smiled but she was to busy glaring at Jayden.

“Everything is here” Caden added in, stoping at the strange hostility on Mickey’s face.

“What are you some type of off the grid guy?” Mickey growled a bit and Jayden only smiled a bit.

“No, just inherited an old farm house. Sadly it was abandoned for a good amount of time. Been fixing it up the last few weeks.” Jayden groaned a bit looking at the girls. “So what’s the damage?”

“Dad said he’d put it on your tab. He’d collect when he gets back” Corbin added in not trying to sound rude or interrupt Braylee.

“He’s a nice guy. Y’all should count yourself fortunate. Not everyone has parents like that” Jayden grabbed the pallet Jack with the generators and headed out the doors towards his truck.

Braylee quickly felt a hand on her arm as she started to follow. Mickey was begging her with a look of pure desperation and determination.

“Please don’t get him involved. I have a bad feeling about him” Braylee sighed and shook her arm free.

“I need answers… he’s our only chance”

Outside Baylee seen him loading the two boxes into the front seat of his truck. Looking around at the other few cars spewed across the parking lot. Then he looked at Braylee. 

“Your friend doesn’t like me” He questioned as she came closer. 

Tossing the second generator box onto the seat. Then he started to pull the pallet Jack back towards the store till he felt a hand on his arm. 

“I don’t care. She’s wrong.” Braylee growled a bit as he turned to her. “I need to know more”

“Your pack friend” He laughed a bit as he said it. “Please refrain from asking her anything…. Also don’t mention me. Other than that. I’ll answer any questions you have?” 

He leaned against the truck rear panel and looked down at her. Crossing his arms over his chest waiting for the first question. 

“I didn’t tell you about her!” Braylee growled starting to feel anger building up from inside her. 

“Calm down girly. I told you I’d look into it.” He shook his head. “I’m not your enemy. I went to the school and could smell the sixth wolf. I only know she’s female.” 

“So you checked up on us?” 

“I told you I was going too?” He questioned, hoping that she’d calm down a bit. “You should stop letting your anger spike like that. You could easily shift after the moon if you get to riled up” He said matter a factly. 

“She’s my friend… I’m sorry…” Braylee dropped her head a little. 

“We’ll I heard she had an epileptic reaction the other day. Heard you were there too?” Now he was looking at her reading her body, somewhat expecting a lie. 

“I asked her to much…” 

“So she’s part of another pack…. But she hasn’t given you up yet….” He heald his temple trying to figure it out. “Why didn’t you tell me about her?” 

“I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. I really don’t know you and she’s special….” Now his eyebrows raised a bit, catching on. 

“She’s your mate….. I’ve heard of it happening but not very frequently… that’s why she’s keeping it a secret…. But you can’t lie or disobey an Alpha…. So how is she….” Jayden mumbled to himself as Mickey appeared at the store doors. 

“What does that even mean?” 

“Your souls are tied together….. always…” 

“Did you ever….?” She questioned but he looked away. 

“I’ll try and get a grasp on this… I’ll try and meet you tomorrow night. Here again.” Without another word he headed towards Mickey and inside.

“So that was a long talk?” Mickey questioned as she got closer. “Find anything out?” 

“A little bit more I guess” Braylee mumbled pushing past Mickey and back into the store. 

~~~~~~

“Would you just spit it out?” Mickey hissed, leaping onto Braylee’s bright red felt blanket. 

“What if I don’t want to?” Braylee gave her a mysterious smile and then started laughing. 

Mickey and Braylee hardly ever spent time in her room anymore. Mostly due to Mickey wanting to be close to Corbin, and them having to all be together so it didn’t look fishy. 

Either way her room was a mess of dirty clothes on the floor, clean clothes scattered across the bed. Yet both her laptop desk and vanity were spotless. Make it all make sense. 

“When was the last time you cleaned this dump?” Mickey shot back looking around. 

“Before my best friend decided to live with my family?” Braylee stuck her tongue out. 

“We’ll dam. That’s cold” Mickey looked around for a second, before her eyes set on the door. 

“I didn’t mean it like…” Braylee started. 

“But that’s how you said it…. You know why I’m always here…. Your parents don’t even seem to care anymore about it….” Mickey raised her voice about it. “I hate that house…. I hate being there….”

“I’m sorry Mickey” Braylee was quickly reminded of last summers other mishap. 

It was way more then a simple mishap. It completely jolted the small town awake for the entire summer and even the first semester at school. Mickey took the blunt of it though, for what all went down. 

“It sucks” Her eyes were watering as the door opened. 

Of course Corbin must have heard their argument and came running. His eyes opened wide as he seen his girlfriend cuddled up with her best friend. 

“She’s mine.” He laughed running in and dog pilling onto the bed next to them. “So you better not take her from me” 

“We’ll technically. She’s mine first” Braylee mock pulled Mickey closer causing them to shift to far. 

Onto the floor they tumbled, Mickey was laughing wildly now. Corbin was leaning over the bed making sure they didn’t die. 

“Thankfully those dirty clothes broke our fall” Mickey laughed harder. 

“I’ll clean it up!” Braylee growled out, standing up and helping her best friend to her feet. 

“You better. You guys sound like elephants from downstairs.” Her mothers voice sounded from just outside the door. 

“Corbin pushed us off the bed” Braylee fibbed and started to laugh, Corbin opened his mouth shocked by the acquisitions. 

“Your such a liar!” He groaned and Mickey quickly started tickling Braylee. 

“No stop!” She giggled. 

“I swear y’all haven’t grown up yet” Her mothers voice faded down the hall. 

“So don’t think I’m gonna give up” Mickey said as they broke apart and she sat on the floor between Corbin’s legs. 

“It’s nothing” 

“I know your lying…. Why won’t you tell me?” Mickey was begging now, looking at her best friend wondering if they were still as close. 

“If I tell you both…. It never leaves here…”  Corbin’s ears perked up as Mickey started to smile. “Not even Caden….. She’s my mate…. But it’s so complicated….” 

“What’s a mate?” Corbin looked super confused. 

“Maybe that’s all for now” Mickey said squeezing her boyfriend’s cheeks playfully before kissing him quickly. 

Mickey didn’t even ask anymore, Corbin was still confused. It was a good call on Mickey’s part to stop her before the bigger secret came out. The rest of the night the boys and Mickey stayed in the basement, while Braylee cleaned up her room.

School in the morning was torcher getting everyone else up. Of course Braylee had slept in her room. But the moment she went down into the basement she found Caden sprawled out on the small couch, and Corbin and Mickey cuddled together in the middle of the floor.

“Y’all nasty!” She shouted out, waking Mickey instantly only to realize it was a good thing.

Her dark chocolate complexion was red as she pulled the extra cover off the empty couch wrapping herself up in it quickly. Braylee gasped and covered her mouth.

“Are you serious right now?” Braylee whispered angrily. “Thoty much”

“It’s not that serious. Caden fell asleep and it just kinda” Mickey tucked her hair behind her ear feeling much more self conscious about the whole situation.

“What if mom came down here before leaving for the store?” Braylee sighed knowing full well they aren’t careful enough.

“But they know already” Mickey said holding her hip slinging as much attitude as she could muster.

“Maybe. What if Leah was just trying to bait us?” Braylee was trying to get it through her head.

“Ughhh you need to get with Shay so that you understand it” Braylee’s voice faltered as she tried to retort.

“That was harsher then necessary…. What if I told you to stop fucking my brother?” Braylee felt the anger starting to come out.

“Your not my boss or my mother” Mickey hissed.

“No I’m your best friend and up until this summer that meant something” Braylee could feel the tears starting to form.

“Well I’m sorry your summer was so bad. Since your best friend found a lover” Now Mickey was starting to get angry too. “You want to trade summers?”

“I didn’t mean it like that” Braylee says wiping the few tears that started to fall.

“They are dead…. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone… this summer sucked. Except for your family and Corbin…..” Mickey didn’t even wipe the tears away. “So I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you… I’m sorry that I’m not sorry about finding comfort with him…. And I’m sorry your being a shitty friend because you won’t accept yourself”

“Won’t accept myself. I Don’t even know who I am anymore. You don’t think we have enough stuff to deal with being werewolves!” Braylee shouted back and stormed off towards the stairs.

“Ok chill mom. It’s not that serious. We didn’t get caught” Mickey groaned grabbing her clothes and heading into the downstairs bathroom as both the boys started to stir.

“Werewolves?” Corbin chuckled. “You must be watching to much vampire diaries”

“For sure” Caden added in rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Braylee stormed away from her best friend and went upstairs to change. The ride to school was quiet, not even the boys said anything. Braylee was sure they’d heard the end of the argument and that Corbin had been filled in to the rest.

Lunch time Mickey didn’t even join them out in the courtyard. Braylee sat with Xavier and Emily but neither really said much.

“So I heard about your spat with the bestie…” Emily started and Braylee looked at Xavier expecting it to have come from him.

“I didn’t know till she told me” Xavier said throwing up his hands in mock surrender with an innocent smile.

“Do I even want to know?” Braylee tried not to show her overwhelming annoyance, knowing it would have to come from either Mickey herself or one of the boys.

“Mickey might have slipped me…. Caden’s number…” Emily didn’t even look at her face.

“Of course she did” Braylee sighed.

“I’m not talking to him like that. Just so you know” Emily still didn’t look up.

“See why don’t you have an older; hot, ex-military brother who’s secretly in the closet but would very much enjoy me” Xavier added in dreamily and both girls started to chuckle.

“Mickey is being selfish. There’s no reason she can’t just tone it down” Braylee growled angrily. “I don’t care that they are together. I just don’t want anymore unnecessary drama and stress”

“We’ll I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say there’s way more coming your way” Xavier was looking at the doorway with his mouth hanging open.

Of course as Braylee turned her attention that way she quickly noticed why. Her annoying bratty older half sister had a huge smile on her face. As she pulled Shay by her arm roughly, nearly dragging her across the cafeteria by the looks of it.

Shay looked horrified, trying desperately to rip her hands away. Behind her was Mickey and the twins seemingly pleading with Leah to stop this madness. Until two of Bruno’s friends opened the doors so Leah could toss Shay into the dirt.

“Hey sis” She chuckled. “Found your girlfriend eating her lunch in the bathroom. Figured she was hiding from you so you wouldn’t go ape shit on her”

“She’s not my girlfriend! You bitch!” Braylee growled and started to get up off her chair, rage starting to blur her vision.

“Ohhh I’m sorry. Should I say crush instead?” She smiled a bit, her voice cracking with excitement over the drama she was causing. “Guess paybacks a bitch”

“Not payback. Just you” Mickey added in but Leah completely ignored it.

“Did you even know my sister had a thing for you?” Her attention fell to Shay.

Shay didn’t say anything, how could she. She’d just been outed in front of pretty much the entire school. Dragged across the cafeteria like a dog, and now Leah had the stones to stand there gloating.

“I didn’t know…” Shay choked out, without looking at Braylee, her tears rolling down her face.

“Your a monster” Xavier quickly moved to Shay’s aide but Braylee was stuck.

Everything just seemed to be happening all at once aground her without a seconds chance to breathe. All the anger pulsed through her body.

“I’m glad your not actually my sister” Braylee said coldly and started to take a step forward as Emily silently stood between her and the mess.

“This is so low. Even for you.” Mickey’s voice caused Leah to turn around, just as she smacked her clear across her face. “That’s because I know your sister won’t do it.”

Leah staggered for a second and Braylee could only watch as Mickey smiled at her.

“How’s that for payback?” Mickey moved past Leah and started helping Shay up.

The sun beat down on the park, dappling the path with light and shadow as I fumbled with my phone, pretending to be engrossed in a text that didn't exist. My real mission? To steal glances at the woman on the bench across the way. She was breathtaking – all cascading dark hair, a smile that could launch a thousand ships, and… well, that's where my brain short-circuited.

She stood… And it was over. Suddenly, the words tumbled out before my filter could engage. "Damn, that ass is fat!" I blurted, slapping my hand over my mouth as if I could somehow shove the words back down my throat.

The woman turned, her smile evaporating like morning mist. Her eyes, the color of aqua jewels, narrowed until they were mere slits. I wanted to melt into a puddle at her feet, but my legs, like traitors, decided to stay stubbornly upright.

"Excuse me?" she purred. Her voice was laced with enough danger to make a grizzly bear reconsider.

I choked on a nonexistent cough, my voice much higher than any 35 year old man’s should ever be. ‘’I mean… it's fluffy?" Words were flying faster than bullets. And trust me, they were all duds. "Fluffy? Fuck, I mean, you're… fluffy! Oh God…"

I buried my head in my hands, picturing the headlines: "Man Dies of Embarrassment at Local Park After Compliment Goes deadly Wrong."

A giggle, soft and sweet, reached my ears. I peeked through my fingers to see the woman's lips twitching. Her eyes, now sparkling with amusement, held no malice.

"Please forgive me," i’m mumbled, adverting my gaze. I exhaled sharply, genuinely stunned at my own stupidity. My cheeks burned brighter than the afternoon sun.

She chuckled again, a sound that could melt glaciers. ‘’Mr. Compliment Machine." She tilted her head. "Trying to pick me up?"

She couldn’t be serious. At this point, I wasn’t sure if she was legally insane or if she just pitied me. Either way, her smile was electrifying. She must have sent a charge through me, because I quickly regained my composure. And by the grace of God, some of my dignity."Well, yes, but clearly, I'm spectacularly bad at it,’’ I mused, smiling Cooley.

She moved closer, extending a hand. "Seems you could use some pointers. Care to join me for a walk? Maybe I can teach you a thing or two about subtlety." She beamed up at me, the warm glow of the sun casting its light upon her face.

“Yeah? “I asked, breathless, as I took her small hand in mine.

She laughed once more, beautiful and genuine."Let's just say, I have a weakness for men who are… creatively challenged,’’ she said playfully, biting her lower lip.

My mind raced as we walked. I didn’t know where this walk was going, or where this beautiful stranger was taking me, but I was more than willing to find out.